SAN RAFAEL, Calif., Oct 16, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading design software and digital content company, announced today that Fentress Bradburn Architects, an award-winning architecture, interiors, and planning firm, has adopted Autodesk's building information modeling strategy and is implementing Autodesk(R) Architectural Desktop 2004 software to move beyond traditional 2D production drafting.

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By using the intelligent architectural objects of Architectural Desktop, design teams at Fentress Bradburn are increasing productivity and delivering more accurate construction documents, while working within a familiar, AutoCAD(R)-based environment. Fentress Bradburn's recent commission to design the new $49-million federal courthouse in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, offered an ideal opportunity to roll out the software in its practice.

"By using Autodesk Architectural Desktop, design coordination is significantly improved, which is especially crucial in meeting fast-track, design-build schedules," said Mike Rinken, information technology manager at Fentress Bradburn. "We are also able to speed the design approvals process by creating 3D renderings that effectively communicate our concepts to clients. And, at project close, we can deliver intelligent data to the owner for use in building lifecycle management."

The 154,000-square-foot Cape Girardeau Courthouse is the first genuine design-build federal courthouse project to be awarded under the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Design Excellence Program. The ability to meet an aggressive fast-track schedule was a major factor in the team's decision to employ Architectural Desktop on this project.

Users Adopt New Platform Quickly and Painlessly

To begin implementation, Fentress Bradburn held an initial half-day, in-house, training session followed by task-specific training, as needed. Denver-based computer reseller Avatech supported the training efforts.

"Our staff was able to be up and running in a remarkably short time," said Tracy Matteson, CADD manager at Fentress Bradburn. "Even former MicroStation users were immediately more productive. The software's new intuitive interface made migration to this application much easier than we had expected."

Autodesk Architectural Desktop improved efficiency by allowing the designers to easily make changes to wall, door, and window elements. The enhanced in-house coordination has increased speed by at least 15 percent, and the ability to generate 3D renderings has also sped the process. The firm anticipates better coordination with contractors as well, due to the enhanced accuracy of construction documents.

Autodesk Professional Services is also currently working with Fentress Bradburn to facilitate the firm's delivery of a building information model for the Cape Girardeau project.

Autodesk Subscription Service Saves Money

Autodesk(R) Subscription played a key role in the firm's adoption of this new software. "Because we are subscription members, our dealer allowed us to see a beta copy of Architectural Desktop 2004 about a month and a half before it came out," said Rinken. "That's when we came to the conclusion that Architectural Desktop had really matured. Plus, the cost savings from subscribing are substantial. Without this subscription service, we'd be paying for every upgrade."

About Fentress Bradburn Architects

Fentress Bradburn Architects, Ltd., is an award-winning architecture, interiors, and planning firm committed to design excellence. Founded in 1980, the firm gained renown with its design of Denver International Airport's passenger terminal. Current and completed civic projects include the City of Sacramento City Hall Building (opening February 2004); Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; Jefferson County Government Center in Golden, Colorado; and the City of Oakland Administration Buildings.

About Autodesk

Autodesk is the world's leading design software and digital content company, offering customers progressive business solutions through powerful technology products and services. Autodesk helps customers in the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media, and wireless data services fields increase the value of their digital design data and improve efficiencies across their entire project lifecycle management processes. For more information about the company, see http://www.autodesk.com . For more information on building information modeling and Autodesk's building design solutions, see http://www.autodesk.com/buildingdesign .

NOTE: Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

CONTACT: Carol Lettieri of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-507-6908, or carol.lettieri@autodesk.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Carol Lettieri of Autodesk, Inc., +1-415-507-6908, or
carol.lettieri@autodesk.com
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